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Devils owner apologizes after chopper interrupts youth soccer match

Eduardo Munoz / REUTERS

A youth soccer match in Newark, N.J. was interrupted and eventually cancelled Sunday when a helicopter intended to pick up New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris landed and parked in the middle of the pitch.

Here's a parent's account of the incident at Saint Benedict's Preparatory School, as retrieved by Deadspin:

As the two teams of U13 players from the STA 02 NPL and Cedar Stars Pre-Academy team got ready to take the field, a helicopter dropped down from the sky and landed right in the middle of the field. A security detail emerged from the helicopter and informed the boys and their coaches that NJ Jersey Devils owner, Josh Harris, had instructed them to land on the field and wait for him to return from the Prudential Center where the Devils were playing. The boys and their families waited in the cold until finally it became clear that Harris was running late and no one knew when he might return to pick up his ride. Eventually, the coaches decided to call the boys' game and everyone went home disappointed, frustrated and annoyed. I am not sure when or if Harris ever showed up to remove his helicopter from the field, but I hope that he had a great night. There are a number of 12 year olds and youth soccer fans who did not - because of Harris's selfish behavior.

Harris issued an apology through the team Wednesday, saying he's working with the school to ensure it doesn't happen again. He also extended an invitation to those affected to attend an upcoming Devils game as his guests.

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